West Ham news: Pundit makes ‘massive’ claim after crushing Jarrod Bowen update from journalist
Michail Antonio will be key if West Ham are to end their season on a high without “incredible” forward Jarrod Bowen.
That is the view of former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the wake of the 25-year-old former Hull man’s injury blow.
According to The Athletic (21 March), Bowen’s injury is “worse than first feared” – with the forward suffering a fractured bone in his foot.
Bowen had notched five goals and one assist since New Year’s Day.
Conversely, Antonio’s last league goal came on 1 January.
As quoted by football.london (20 March), manager David Moyes criticised the Jamaica international’s performance during the loss against Tottenham – claiming he “did not reach his level” during the game.
Campbell claimed Antonio hitting form could be “massive” for West Ham’s chances of finishing the season strongly.
“West Ham need weapons, and they need their best attackers out there on the pitch,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“When they’ve not got that danger out there, they don’t play to full capacity – that’s clear.
“Jarrod Bowen has been incredible for them. There was talk about an England call-up – but injury hits and now it looks to have curtailed his season.
“However, let’s be honest, West Ham did a job on a Sevilla side considered one of the favourites – all without him.
“Getting Bowen back would be a massive bonus, but they have shown they can do it without him. Having Michail Antonio playing to capacity is a massive part of that.”
West Ham continue their Europa League adventure with a quarter-final first leg against Lyon on 7 April.
The Irons sit seventh in the Premier League, which could be enough to secure a Europa Conference League berth.
In other news, pundit issues “100%” David Moyes verdict after confirmed news – “there’s no way”.